FPL Scout: Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha is the focus in our weekly exclusive from the Fantasy Premier League Scout – take a look below at why so many players already have him in their team.

The Ivory Coast international is already a big favourite among Fantasy Premier League managers for 2018/19 - Zaha is the fifth most popular player in FPL, owned by 31% of squads.

After an impressive season in 2017/18, delivering nine goals, seven assists and a total of 136 points, Zaha has now been officially FPL reclassified as a forward for the 2018/19 season, following his move further forward in Gameweek 30.

This positional switch saw his points scoring potential transformed. He produced five of his nine goals, four of his seven assists and all eight of his bonus points in the final eight matches of the season.

He also recorded seven big chances, or opportunities where the player receiving the pass is expected to score after the switch to forward - ranked fourth overall behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m and 11), Mohamed Salah (£13.0m and nine) and Raheem Sterling (£11.0m and eight).

The move to forward could also boost his prospects in the Bonus Points System (BPS) this season - forwards score 24 points in the BPS for every goal scored, whereas midfielders are awarded 18,

For the season ahead priced at £7.0m, Zaha can establish himself as the early go-to option among mid-price forwards in Fantasy, shown in his selection in almost one in every three teams.

Looking ahead, Zaha’s first appearance at Selhurst Park this season comes in Gameweek 2 when Liverpool visit, and even then Zaha might not be tamed – he’s supplied an assist in each of his last two home meetings with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Watch Zaha at Selhurst Park. With Liverpool now sold out, get your tickets for Palace v Southampton! Join as a Member now and buy your tickets before they sell out.